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By Emily Panter
Springfield Beacon
The Miller boys fought hard in their game against Willamette on Friday, Feb. 8, but the Wolverines pulled away in the second half to defeat Springfield 60-44.
Springfield won the tip-off and took a quick 2-5 lead, but Willamette quickly caught up to go up by two. Fighting hard, Springfield’s Cody Pryce grabbed the defensive rebound and passed to Trent Davis, who found himself under the basket for an easy two points to tie it up at 7-7 with just over two minutes remaining in the opening quarter. But the Wolverine’s LeRon Bennett responded with a three-pointer and they would end up leading 10-9 at the end of the first eight minutes.
Willamette struggled to score in the opening minutes of the second quarter, which the Millers made sure to take advantage of. Brock Auxier hit a long three-pointer to take the lead, but they would quickly loose it after Willamette capitalized on free throw opportunities. Trading leads, the Millers would eventually regain it with a shot by Robbie Church near the end of the half, but a three-pointer by Willamette’s Michael Seiler would be the final lead change of the game and give the Wolverine’s a 25-23 at the buzzer.
Springfield kept it close in the beginning of the second half, trailing by as little as one point. But the Wolverines went on a 10-point run to lead 39-29 with over half the third quarter remaining. Springfield would cut the lead to six with Pryce’s successful trip to the line, but a three-pointer, field goal and free throw would give the Wolverine’s a 47-35 lead at the end of the third quarter.
Still digging hard the Millers tried to stage a comeback, but Willamette basically clinched the victory when Bennet successfully made a shot, quickly stole the ball from the Millers, and Tommy Barnett would convert it for another two points to go up 54-42 with 2:40 remaining. Free throw opportunities and a rebound would give the Wolverines the eventual 60-44 victory.
The loss keeps the Millers in fourth place in the Midwestern League, but they trail a playoff spot by two games, and first place by six.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Newman, Akins bound for Western Oregon
By Emily Panter
Springfield Beacon
There’s been a lot of buzz around the country this past week. Wednesday, Feb. 6 was National Signing Day for many of the nation’s college-bound athletes, and Springfield got to be apart of the excitement.
Michael Akins and Travis Newman each signed a letter to play Division-II football in Western Oregon University (WOU) in Monmouth last Wednesday. It was a great accomplishment for the two best friends from Thurston. Having met in Kidsports during eighth grade it didn’t take the pair long to realize they wanted to go to college together.
“(We’ve wanted to) since freshman year at least,” Newman said.
The boys were recruited by a number of schools together, including Willamette, Lewis and Clark and Linfield. Akins was also recruited by the Colorado School of Mines, Cornell and Cal-Poly Pomona. Newman was also looked at by Portland State.
The boys settled on WOU after taking a campus visit.
“We took a visit and really liked it,” Akins said, citing the family environment and small town as factors.
Newman will be starting out his career with the Wolves as a running back, while Akins will hold a defensive back position.
Thurston coach Justin Starck is excited to see the boys advance to the next level. He said both boys are easy to coach and although they were already solid players at the beginning of their careers, have seen improvement.
“They’re both real good students and smart, smart players,” he said.
Both players are three-year lettermen, and Newman earned an honorable mention all-league as just a sophomore. This year both Newman and Akins earned first team honors on offense, and defensively Akins earned first team and Newman received second.
And although the boys are certainly excited about playing football at the next level, they are also keeping academics in mind. In fact, they received academic scholarships in additional to their one for football. Newman is a 3.86 GPA athlete and plans on majoring in general business, while Akins, a 4.0 student, is currently undecided.
“I wanted to major in engineering,” he said, “but they don’t offer that program.”
Western signed a total of 26 players on Signing Day, including another area student – Jameson Martin out of Marist High.
"This is our best class in terms of size and speed," head coach Arne Ferguson said. "Our focus this year was to get players that can contribute in one to two years. We feel like we got some kids that will be a great fit in this program, and we are lucky to have them."
Springfield Beacon
There’s been a lot of buzz around the country this past week. Wednesday, Feb. 6 was National Signing Day for many of the nation’s college-bound athletes, and Springfield got to be apart of the excitement.
Michael Akins and Travis Newman each signed a letter to play Division-II football in Western Oregon University (WOU) in Monmouth last Wednesday. It was a great accomplishment for the two best friends from Thurston. Having met in Kidsports during eighth grade it didn’t take the pair long to realize they wanted to go to college together.
“(We’ve wanted to) since freshman year at least,” Newman said.
The boys were recruited by a number of schools together, including Willamette, Lewis and Clark and Linfield. Akins was also recruited by the Colorado School of Mines, Cornell and Cal-Poly Pomona. Newman was also looked at by Portland State.
The boys settled on WOU after taking a campus visit.
“We took a visit and really liked it,” Akins said, citing the family environment and small town as factors.
Newman will be starting out his career with the Wolves as a running back, while Akins will hold a defensive back position.
Thurston coach Justin Starck is excited to see the boys advance to the next level. He said both boys are easy to coach and although they were already solid players at the beginning of their careers, have seen improvement.
“They’re both real good students and smart, smart players,” he said.
Both players are three-year lettermen, and Newman earned an honorable mention all-league as just a sophomore. This year both Newman and Akins earned first team honors on offense, and defensively Akins earned first team and Newman received second.
And although the boys are certainly excited about playing football at the next level, they are also keeping academics in mind. In fact, they received academic scholarships in additional to their one for football. Newman is a 3.86 GPA athlete and plans on majoring in general business, while Akins, a 4.0 student, is currently undecided.
“I wanted to major in engineering,” he said, “but they don’t offer that program.”
Western signed a total of 26 players on Signing Day, including another area student – Jameson Martin out of Marist High.
"This is our best class in terms of size and speed," head coach Arne Ferguson said. "Our focus this year was to get players that can contribute in one to two years. We feel like we got some kids that will be a great fit in this program, and we are lucky to have them."
Milers repeat as champions
By Emily Panter
Springfield Beacon
For the third consecutive year, the Springfield Millers cheerleading squad has emerged as state champions. They finished with a score of 77.64, edging out second place finishers and cross-town rivals, Thurston, who finished with 74.79 points.
“Overall it was probably the best performance we’ve done all year,” said Springfield coach Janet Fryback. “The guys and girls did a great job. They performed great and had tons of energy and excitement and just did a great job.”
It’s certainly not easy being defending champions, especially for the third time in a row. For the seniors on the team, it was their third consecutive state championship so they certainly had a lot of pressure to do just as well as their previous two trips.
“It’s tough,” Fryback said. “Especially when you have Thurston on your fanny every year. Almost half are sophomores so they’d never been to sate before. It was a challenge for them but they did a wonderful job.”
But despite their second place finish, Thurston actually had the better performance, initially beating the Millers by about a point. But the Colts received a deduction for throwing a sign too hard to give the Millers the victory.
“To actually have (Springfield) beat and have a subjective call be what really took us out of it is hard,” said Thurston coach James Underwood. “It was a pretty brutal loss but I’m proud of our kids.”
Last year the Millers edged out the Colts by less than one full point, and by about six points the year before. Fryback estimated Springfield has won about 15 championships in the school’s history.
According to Underwood, having your biggest competition in the state just a few miles away has been one of the driving factors for the Colts.
“The message I always preach to my kids is that competition breeds success,” he said. “We get better in life because we have to compete with others. To know that five minutes down the road is our biggest competition (is huge). I think that keeps it at the forefront of their mind the entire year.”
This year’s state meet does not mark the end of competition for the two teams. The Millers will be performing at the Oregon Cheerleading Coaches Championship on Feb. 23 and the Pacwest St. Patty’s Day National’s in March. Both will be held in Portland.
The Colts have earned a bid to nationals in Anaheim this March. Last year they finished in fourth place.
“We’re hoping to do better this year,” Underwood said.
Springfield Beacon
For the third consecutive year, the Springfield Millers cheerleading squad has emerged as state champions. They finished with a score of 77.64, edging out second place finishers and cross-town rivals, Thurston, who finished with 74.79 points.
“Overall it was probably the best performance we’ve done all year,” said Springfield coach Janet Fryback. “The guys and girls did a great job. They performed great and had tons of energy and excitement and just did a great job.”
It’s certainly not easy being defending champions, especially for the third time in a row. For the seniors on the team, it was their third consecutive state championship so they certainly had a lot of pressure to do just as well as their previous two trips.
“It’s tough,” Fryback said. “Especially when you have Thurston on your fanny every year. Almost half are sophomores so they’d never been to sate before. It was a challenge for them but they did a wonderful job.”
But despite their second place finish, Thurston actually had the better performance, initially beating the Millers by about a point. But the Colts received a deduction for throwing a sign too hard to give the Millers the victory.
“To actually have (Springfield) beat and have a subjective call be what really took us out of it is hard,” said Thurston coach James Underwood. “It was a pretty brutal loss but I’m proud of our kids.”
Last year the Millers edged out the Colts by less than one full point, and by about six points the year before. Fryback estimated Springfield has won about 15 championships in the school’s history.
According to Underwood, having your biggest competition in the state just a few miles away has been one of the driving factors for the Colts.
“The message I always preach to my kids is that competition breeds success,” he said. “We get better in life because we have to compete with others. To know that five minutes down the road is our biggest competition (is huge). I think that keeps it at the forefront of their mind the entire year.”
This year’s state meet does not mark the end of competition for the two teams. The Millers will be performing at the Oregon Cheerleading Coaches Championship on Feb. 23 and the Pacwest St. Patty’s Day National’s in March. Both will be held in Portland.
The Colts have earned a bid to nationals in Anaheim this March. Last year they finished in fourth place.
“We’re hoping to do better this year,” Underwood said.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Thurston girls can’t find rhythm
By Emily Panter
Springfield Beacon
Thurston Colts girls basketball team knew they would have their hands full for their game against Willamette, last years 5A state champions. The Colts managed to keep a win within reach in the first half, but Willamette’s Aly Bruns let loose in the second half to run away with a victory. Thurston ended up suffering at 33-58 loss. Despite Willamette’s 58 points, coach Michelle Tuma is still pleased with the Colts defensive game.
“I thought we played excellent defense,” she said. “We held Willamette's inside game, especially AJ Smith, to five points which came from a three-pointer and two free throws. Kristen Walters and Whitney Hughes did an excellent job defending her and forcing her to go outside her normal game.”
Thurston’s offense got off to a strong start, going shot-for-shot until the score was tied at six points apiece. From there the Wolverines would pull into the lead, where they would remain the rest of the game. The Colts kept it close, only trailing by six at the end of the first quarter.
Willamette went on a small scoring frenzy to open the second quarter, but the Colts would dig hard at the end of the half to keep it close. Natalie Smith hit a quick three pointer and a field goal, and despite coverage, Whitney Hughes would score to bring the score 21-16 with about a minute to play. But a buzzer shot from Willamette near the half court line would sink, expanding the Wolverine lead 23-16 at the half.
Not too long after the third quarter started, it was clear Willamette was about to run away with the game. Although the Colts managed three quick points, Bruns found her rhythm and would increase the Wolverine lead to 33-19 with a quarter and a half to go. Thurston managed to sink some shots, but would be down by 20 at the end of the third.
“Against a team like Willamette, who are the defending state champions and in my opinion even better than they where last year, you have to pick your poison,” Tuma said. “We decided to focus on stopping their inside game and hope our quickness would allow us to get out on their shooters. Unfortunately, the second half we did not communicate as well on defense and allowed their shooters, Katie Collins and Aly Bruns, get open looks from the three point line.”
Clearly in a scoring rut, the Colts couldn’t find the basket until just over two minutes remained in the game, excluding one free throw. Elise Nelson scoring on a field goal and a three-pointer, and Hughes sinking a last minute shot.
“We had great looks, but did not go up with the confidence or the belief that we could make them…you can only do so much when you shoot so poorly,” Tuma said.
The Colts only managed to sink 23 percent of their shots in the game.
After a loss to Churchill on Friday, Jan. 18, the Colts are tied for Marshfield for fifth place in the Midwestern League.
Thurston’s next game will be at home at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 25. They will play Springfield.
Springfield Beacon
Thurston Colts girls basketball team knew they would have their hands full for their game against Willamette, last years 5A state champions. The Colts managed to keep a win within reach in the first half, but Willamette’s Aly Bruns let loose in the second half to run away with a victory. Thurston ended up suffering at 33-58 loss. Despite Willamette’s 58 points, coach Michelle Tuma is still pleased with the Colts defensive game.
“I thought we played excellent defense,” she said. “We held Willamette's inside game, especially AJ Smith, to five points which came from a three-pointer and two free throws. Kristen Walters and Whitney Hughes did an excellent job defending her and forcing her to go outside her normal game.”
Thurston’s offense got off to a strong start, going shot-for-shot until the score was tied at six points apiece. From there the Wolverines would pull into the lead, where they would remain the rest of the game. The Colts kept it close, only trailing by six at the end of the first quarter.
Willamette went on a small scoring frenzy to open the second quarter, but the Colts would dig hard at the end of the half to keep it close. Natalie Smith hit a quick three pointer and a field goal, and despite coverage, Whitney Hughes would score to bring the score 21-16 with about a minute to play. But a buzzer shot from Willamette near the half court line would sink, expanding the Wolverine lead 23-16 at the half.
Not too long after the third quarter started, it was clear Willamette was about to run away with the game. Although the Colts managed three quick points, Bruns found her rhythm and would increase the Wolverine lead to 33-19 with a quarter and a half to go. Thurston managed to sink some shots, but would be down by 20 at the end of the third.
“Against a team like Willamette, who are the defending state champions and in my opinion even better than they where last year, you have to pick your poison,” Tuma said. “We decided to focus on stopping their inside game and hope our quickness would allow us to get out on their shooters. Unfortunately, the second half we did not communicate as well on defense and allowed their shooters, Katie Collins and Aly Bruns, get open looks from the three point line.”
Clearly in a scoring rut, the Colts couldn’t find the basket until just over two minutes remained in the game, excluding one free throw. Elise Nelson scoring on a field goal and a three-pointer, and Hughes sinking a last minute shot.
“We had great looks, but did not go up with the confidence or the belief that we could make them…you can only do so much when you shoot so poorly,” Tuma said.
The Colts only managed to sink 23 percent of their shots in the game.
After a loss to Churchill on Friday, Jan. 18, the Colts are tied for Marshfield for fifth place in the Midwestern League.
Thurston’s next game will be at home at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 25. They will play Springfield.
Colts blazing start leads to win
By Emily Panter
Springfield Beacon
Coming off a tough loss in the league opener to North Eugene, the Colts redeemed themselves with a huge win over Willamette on Tuesday, Jan. 15. Thurston got off to a blazing start in the first quarter, outscoring the Wolverines 5-21. From there, they slowed the game down, but would eventually come away with an 18-point victory over the Wolverines.
“I thought we came out with a lot of intensity and focus and really executed well the first quarter,” said Thurston coach Doug Piquette. “We were ok the rest of the game, but did not play particularly well on offense. We were very impatient and did not play as a team.”
Thurston got off to an immediate four point lead, and the Colt defense only allowed one field goal during the first eight minutes. Willamette’s other three points came off free throws. The Colts led 4-19 until the final minute of the quarter, when Willamette sunk one of their free throws and Michael Rondeau reached for the rebound to extend the lead to 21-5.
The second quarter started off quickly as well, but a missed backwards alley-oop from Drew Wiley would send him down to the court floor hard. The end result was an injury that would slow him down for the remainder of the game.
“Drew Wiley was great in the first quarter,” Piquette said. “He sprained his ankle and that seemed to take him out of the air for a while.”
Without Wiley, the Colts leading scorer, they only managed to score eight points in the second, but would still lead 16-29 heading into the locker room for halftime.
Things picked up again for Thurston in the third, with Akins leading the way. He scored the Colts first seven points of the quarter. Joey White also had a strong third quarter.
“(He) played his most complete game of the year,” Piquette said. “He was great on both sides and really played more aggressively on the offensive side of the ball.”
The Colts lead was just too big for the Wolverines, and although they had a strong second half, Thurston’s defense kept them from scoring many points. Despite a steal and a three-pointer by Willamette in the final minute, they would suffer a 36-54 loss.
“Our defense was great,” Piquette said. “I liked how hard we played and how well we executed what we wanted to do defensively.”
Leading the Colts in their defense was Tim Autele.
“He is a warrior. He causes a lot of problems for opposing guards and really spearheaded our defense,” Piquette said.
Following a win over Churchill on Friday, Jan. 18, the Colts are now tied for second place in the league with Churchill. Both teams have a 2-1 record and are one game behind North Eugene.
Next, the Colts will play host to the Millers in their first match-up of the season on Friday, Jan. 25. The game starts at 7 p.m.
Springfield Beacon
Coming off a tough loss in the league opener to North Eugene, the Colts redeemed themselves with a huge win over Willamette on Tuesday, Jan. 15. Thurston got off to a blazing start in the first quarter, outscoring the Wolverines 5-21. From there, they slowed the game down, but would eventually come away with an 18-point victory over the Wolverines.
“I thought we came out with a lot of intensity and focus and really executed well the first quarter,” said Thurston coach Doug Piquette. “We were ok the rest of the game, but did not play particularly well on offense. We were very impatient and did not play as a team.”
Thurston got off to an immediate four point lead, and the Colt defense only allowed one field goal during the first eight minutes. Willamette’s other three points came off free throws. The Colts led 4-19 until the final minute of the quarter, when Willamette sunk one of their free throws and Michael Rondeau reached for the rebound to extend the lead to 21-5.
The second quarter started off quickly as well, but a missed backwards alley-oop from Drew Wiley would send him down to the court floor hard. The end result was an injury that would slow him down for the remainder of the game.
“Drew Wiley was great in the first quarter,” Piquette said. “He sprained his ankle and that seemed to take him out of the air for a while.”
Without Wiley, the Colts leading scorer, they only managed to score eight points in the second, but would still lead 16-29 heading into the locker room for halftime.
Things picked up again for Thurston in the third, with Akins leading the way. He scored the Colts first seven points of the quarter. Joey White also had a strong third quarter.
“(He) played his most complete game of the year,” Piquette said. “He was great on both sides and really played more aggressively on the offensive side of the ball.”
The Colts lead was just too big for the Wolverines, and although they had a strong second half, Thurston’s defense kept them from scoring many points. Despite a steal and a three-pointer by Willamette in the final minute, they would suffer a 36-54 loss.
“Our defense was great,” Piquette said. “I liked how hard we played and how well we executed what we wanted to do defensively.”
Leading the Colts in their defense was Tim Autele.
“He is a warrior. He causes a lot of problems for opposing guards and really spearheaded our defense,” Piquette said.
Following a win over Churchill on Friday, Jan. 18, the Colts are now tied for second place in the league with Churchill. Both teams have a 2-1 record and are one game behind North Eugene.
Next, the Colts will play host to the Millers in their first match-up of the season on Friday, Jan. 25. The game starts at 7 p.m.
Still struggling Miller girls fall to Pirates
By Maren Fawkes
For the Beacon
Closing out the first round of the season the Millers lose their fifth game to the Marshfield Pirates, 29-45. Despite the loss varsity girls coach, Chuck Wenger is confident his team will “get their feet under them.”
Coming into the match-up the girls were hoping to end their four game slide in Midwestern League games. The game started off quick and sloppy for both teams with bad passing that was the cause of careless turnovers. The Miller’s were able to capitalize on the multiple possessions by taking a four point lead following four steals by Samantha Stoner in the first two minutes.
Unable to build momentum, the Millers continued into the second quarter struggling to sink shots. Stoner had numerous steals and rebounds that kept the game from getting out of reach. She had good instinct toward the basket and was able to draw off defenders and get the foul. The Pirates were off to a quick lead as the Miller’s trailed behind.
Thwarting Springfields attempts to catch up, Marshfield’s leading scorer Brianna George had the Miller’s defense on their heels with her ball fakes and smart passing. The Pirates held a four point lead going into half time.
The Miller’s seemed sluggish at the beginning of the second half, while the Pirates came out shooting and moving the ball around. They pushed their lead into the double digits by hitting open high percentage shots.
Once Marshfield had established a comfortable lead towards the end of the third quarter, they moved away from a run-and-gun offensive style to a clock management style. It seemed like the Miller’s felt the pressure of the ticking clock making a few mental mistakes and sending the Pirates to the line too often.
The game was hard fought on both ends of the court, but with the Miller’s struggling to sink shots they were just unable to match the Pirates intensity.
“I’m actually really proud of the girls,” Chuck Wenger said. “I can’t say enough for some of the girls who are working really hard to come together as a team. The big thing is we’ve got to start shooting better. The girls need to have confidence in their shots because just getting the shots to go down can change the whole season.”
Wenger is optimistic about the future. “We know we have two rounds left and we’re just going to take it four minutes at a time.”
The next game for the Miller’s was at home against Willamette on Tuesday Jan. 22. Results of that game were unavailable as of press time.
“Willamette is always a challenge. They haven’t lost a game, at least not in the Midwestern League... The last time we played well against them, but for us it’s about getting the girls’ confidence back.”
For the Beacon
Closing out the first round of the season the Millers lose their fifth game to the Marshfield Pirates, 29-45. Despite the loss varsity girls coach, Chuck Wenger is confident his team will “get their feet under them.”
Coming into the match-up the girls were hoping to end their four game slide in Midwestern League games. The game started off quick and sloppy for both teams with bad passing that was the cause of careless turnovers. The Miller’s were able to capitalize on the multiple possessions by taking a four point lead following four steals by Samantha Stoner in the first two minutes.
Unable to build momentum, the Millers continued into the second quarter struggling to sink shots. Stoner had numerous steals and rebounds that kept the game from getting out of reach. She had good instinct toward the basket and was able to draw off defenders and get the foul. The Pirates were off to a quick lead as the Miller’s trailed behind.
Thwarting Springfields attempts to catch up, Marshfield’s leading scorer Brianna George had the Miller’s defense on their heels with her ball fakes and smart passing. The Pirates held a four point lead going into half time.
The Miller’s seemed sluggish at the beginning of the second half, while the Pirates came out shooting and moving the ball around. They pushed their lead into the double digits by hitting open high percentage shots.
Once Marshfield had established a comfortable lead towards the end of the third quarter, they moved away from a run-and-gun offensive style to a clock management style. It seemed like the Miller’s felt the pressure of the ticking clock making a few mental mistakes and sending the Pirates to the line too often.
The game was hard fought on both ends of the court, but with the Miller’s struggling to sink shots they were just unable to match the Pirates intensity.
“I’m actually really proud of the girls,” Chuck Wenger said. “I can’t say enough for some of the girls who are working really hard to come together as a team. The big thing is we’ve got to start shooting better. The girls need to have confidence in their shots because just getting the shots to go down can change the whole season.”
Wenger is optimistic about the future. “We know we have two rounds left and we’re just going to take it four minutes at a time.”
The next game for the Miller’s was at home against Willamette on Tuesday Jan. 22. Results of that game were unavailable as of press time.
“Willamette is always a challenge. They haven’t lost a game, at least not in the Midwestern League... The last time we played well against them, but for us it’s about getting the girls’ confidence back.”
Millers get first league victory over Marshfield
By Maren Fawkes
For the Beacon
The crowd was on its feet as the Springfield Millers varsity boys used good old fashioned hustle and defense to squeak out a win against the Marshfield Pirates. The game came down to the wire with the deciding points scored in the last 40 seconds.
Marshfield won the opening tip-off and took a quick eight point lead by hitting a few open shots. The Pirates tight zone defense had the Millers off to a shaky start by forcing them to shoot from the perimeter. The Millers reaction to the offensive on-slot of the Pirates was to pressure the ball from the in-bound point with an aggressive full-court press. Through determination and pressure the Millers were able to quash the early first quarter scoring threat put on by the Pirates. Successfully slowing the scoring by the Pirates, the Millers fought back to take the lead by the end of the first half by a single point.
“We missed some easy shots in the first half,” Springfield coach Dusty Auxier said.
Despite the misses the Millers were able to keep the game close and to build momentum going into the break.
Adam Porter came out hot for Marshfield in the second half, dominating on defense and scoring the first three baskets of the third quarter. Marshfield began to pull away at the end of the third quarter, but by switching from a man-on-man to a zone defense the Millers were able to slow them down.
In the fourth quarter, with the help of Cody Pryce who began connecting on high-percentage shots and playing hard-nose defense, Springfield was able to keep the game even for most of the fourth.
“I can’t say enough about him. Cody did a great job defensively and held off against their leading scorer,” Auxier said.
The teams continued to battle back and fourth, going shot for shot at each end.
Finally, with two minutes left the game tied up at 41 each. Springfield’s Trent Davis, who missed a couple of inside shots in the first half, seemed to heat up, scoring seven points and leading the team in rebounding. The Millers brought the ball up court and found Davis, who sunk a mid-range jumper to put the Millers up by two points with 37 seconds left in game. After a Marshfield time out, the Millers buckled down on defense and a driving Pirates guard was blocked by Davis. The energy from the parents and students in the crowd seemed to fuel the Millers. With 20 seconds left to go the final inbound pass was stolen by a Springfield player who was immediately fouled, and the Millers had the game in hand.
“Well it was good to get on the boards, it was our first league win,” Auxier said. “And we played a very tough Marshfield team. The win gives us a chance to get back in the hunt.”
The Millers next contest will be at Thurston on Friday, Jan. 25. Tip-off is at 7 p.m.
For the Beacon
The crowd was on its feet as the Springfield Millers varsity boys used good old fashioned hustle and defense to squeak out a win against the Marshfield Pirates. The game came down to the wire with the deciding points scored in the last 40 seconds.
Marshfield won the opening tip-off and took a quick eight point lead by hitting a few open shots. The Pirates tight zone defense had the Millers off to a shaky start by forcing them to shoot from the perimeter. The Millers reaction to the offensive on-slot of the Pirates was to pressure the ball from the in-bound point with an aggressive full-court press. Through determination and pressure the Millers were able to quash the early first quarter scoring threat put on by the Pirates. Successfully slowing the scoring by the Pirates, the Millers fought back to take the lead by the end of the first half by a single point.
“We missed some easy shots in the first half,” Springfield coach Dusty Auxier said.
Despite the misses the Millers were able to keep the game close and to build momentum going into the break.
Adam Porter came out hot for Marshfield in the second half, dominating on defense and scoring the first three baskets of the third quarter. Marshfield began to pull away at the end of the third quarter, but by switching from a man-on-man to a zone defense the Millers were able to slow them down.
In the fourth quarter, with the help of Cody Pryce who began connecting on high-percentage shots and playing hard-nose defense, Springfield was able to keep the game even for most of the fourth.
“I can’t say enough about him. Cody did a great job defensively and held off against their leading scorer,” Auxier said.
The teams continued to battle back and fourth, going shot for shot at each end.
Finally, with two minutes left the game tied up at 41 each. Springfield’s Trent Davis, who missed a couple of inside shots in the first half, seemed to heat up, scoring seven points and leading the team in rebounding. The Millers brought the ball up court and found Davis, who sunk a mid-range jumper to put the Millers up by two points with 37 seconds left in game. After a Marshfield time out, the Millers buckled down on defense and a driving Pirates guard was blocked by Davis. The energy from the parents and students in the crowd seemed to fuel the Millers. With 20 seconds left to go the final inbound pass was stolen by a Springfield player who was immediately fouled, and the Millers had the game in hand.
“Well it was good to get on the boards, it was our first league win,” Auxier said. “And we played a very tough Marshfield team. The win gives us a chance to get back in the hunt.”
The Millers next contest will be at Thurston on Friday, Jan. 25. Tip-off is at 7 p.m.
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